News
Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa wins World Travel Awards 2019 for the second time
Best Boutique Collection is proud to announce that its member resort in North Sulawesi has been honoured as Indonesia’s Leading Dive Resort.
Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa celebrated a huge success at the World Travel Awards gala ceremony held at Vinpearl Convention Center in Phu Quoc, Vietnam. For the second time in a row, the rather young Boutique Dive Resort received one of the prestigious “Oscars of the travel industries”.
For the 26th time since its establishment in 1993, the World Travel Awards covers the globe with its Grand Tour – a series of regional gala ceremonies to recognise excellence across all sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Last Saturday night, the tour stopped in Phu Quoc in Vietnam to announce and honour the award winners of Asia and Oceania. The gala ceremony is regarded as a milestone event in the industy calendar, attended by the industry’s key decision makers and figure heads, as well as key trade and consumer media.
Recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, the World Travel Awards sets the benchmark to which all others aspire.
Elaine and Simon Wallace, owners of Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa are thrilled about the huge success: “To win this prestigious award for the second consecutive year is an achievement that we as a team are extremely proud of. It is the perfect recognition of our high standards and authentic concept at Bunaken Oasis. The award is for the entire team, who works with great enthusiasm to ensure that guests enjoy a truly memorable stay on Bunaken Island with us.”
Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa redefines exclusivity and diving in North Sulawesi. Accommodation as well as diving operations meet the highest quality and service standards making it the place of choice for divers, snorkellers and nature lovers alike to fully enjoy Bunaken’s treasures.
Beautifully located on Liang Beach on Bunaken Island, it is located in the heart of Bunaken National Marine Park – a diver’s paradise that enchants with a great abundance of marine life, impressive walls and prosperous coral reefs due to its priviledged location right in the centre of the Coral Triangle. A spectacular infinity pool, twelve stylish cottages, a tranquil spa, its restaurant with excellent cuisine and a multi-level cocktail bar are just some of the facilities that distinguish the elegant Boutique Resort.
The resort offers a 5-star experience whilst keeping the ecological footprint at a minimum. The respect and care for the unique nature in Bunaken is already reflected in the sensitively designed infrastructure of the resort; with various initiatives and projects, the owners support a large number of local community projects. Winning at the World Travel Awards 2019 honours these efforts and the fantastic work of “Indonesia’s Leading Dive Resort”.
For further information on Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa, please visit: www.bunakenoasis.com or www.best-boutique-collection.eu/en/bunaken-oasis-dive-resort-spa-bunaken-indonesia.
To learn more about World Travel Awards, please go to: www.worldtravelawards.com.
Coming soon in Dive Travel Adventures Winter 2020: Scubaverse photojournalist Sean Chinn visits Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa… we can’t wait to share it with you!
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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